April 28, 2015

Ron Buchanan

The first was his nickname - Bucky. That is probably not a big surprise, as many people with the last name Buchanan enjoy that moniker.

The second was his profession. Both were long time professional hockey players including stints in the National Hockey League. Dad Ralph briefly played with the New York Rangers, while son Ron had cups of coffee with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues.

Interestingly, the two hold the unofficial record for fewest games played by a father-son combo in NHL history!

Ron was better known for enjoying several years in the World Hockey Association, tallying 37 goals for the Cleveland Crusaders in 1972-73. Mounting injuries, including a debilitating knee injury, slowed him down and eventually forced him out of hockey altogether by 1976.

Ron was an imposing center, standing 6'3" and 180lbs. But he was a gentle giant, rarely visiting the penalty box.

Like his dad he, too, was a junior and amateur star. He scored nearly a goal a game in his last two years with the OHA Oshawa Generals.

In 1965 he turned pro with the Boston Bruins organization, playing down on the farm team in Oklahoma City for three years. He was called up for a three game cameo with the Bruins in 1967 but never came close to cracking the line up full time.

Expansion opened up a lot of jobs for minor leaguers, but Buchanan was not one of the lucky ones. He spent a season with the Philadelphia Flyers organization, but never played with the Flyers. He later joined the St. Louis Blues, playing two games in 1970.

Buchanan benefited from the World Hockey Association in 1972. As mentioned above, he joined the Cleveland Crusaders in 1972-73. He also played with the Edmonton Oilers and Indianapolis Racers, totalling 205 WHA games (83 goals, 102 assists and 185 points).

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